In this role, King will lead critical company functions, including employee and client communications, media relations, digital and social media, public engagement, and events management. In his new role, King will be based in New York City and will report to First Data Vice Chairman Joe Plumeri.

"First Data will benefit greatly from having an expert communications professional of Josh King's caliber joining our team to help spread the message of First Data's exciting transformation to our many constituents," said Frank Bisignano, chairman and CEO. "I look forward to working closely with Josh as First Data becomes recognized as a collaborative partner and trusted advisor bringing innovative solutions to help our clients grow their businesses."

"Having worked closely with Josh over many years, there are few who match his mix of strong functional management, creative approach to storytelling and embrace of new communications technologies," said Joe Plumeri, First Data vice chairman. "Josh will help everyone on our team send the message of First Data's transformation to an ever-widening audience."

King served most recently as senior vice president, group communications and marketing, for Willis Group Holdings, the global insurance broker. Under King's leadership at Willis, the company launched the record-breaking Willis Resilience Expedition to the South Pole aimed at advancing understanding of climate change and related issues. Prior to joining Willis in 2009, King served as vice president, media and community relations, for The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. Earlier in his career, King served for five years as director of production for presidential events in the White House office of communications, where he helped manage many historic moments during President Bill Clinton's two terms in office.

As a writer and producer, King authored one of the first political blogs, contributed articles to POLITICO Magazine, The Washingtton Post, Brill's Content, Variety and Men's Vogue, wrote for the NBC series "American Dreams" and created a long-running public affairs show on SiriusXM Satellite Radio. King is a graduate of Swarthmore College and completed the Program for Global Leadership at Harvard Business School.